Introduction of serialized quick response code labels enables homeowners to find important engine information quickly and easily.
MILWAUKEE
-- May 8 -- Each year, when spring
arrives, homeowners across America resume old, familiar rituals such as
cleaning out the garage, picking up yard debris, and going to the local garden
center to pick up a bag of "weed and feed" for the lawn. Tuning up the lawnmower is another early
spring ritual to complete. But, for too
many of us, the mower tune-up often starts with a frantic search for the
operator's manual that was misplaced after the last tune-up was done. Briggs and Stratton Corporation
would like to put an end to 'missing operator manual frustrations' with the
introduction of its industry-first serialized quick response (QR*) code labels.
Earlier
this year, Briggs and Stratton initiated a phased rollout of QR labeling on
engines manufactured for use in North America.
The serialized QR labels will enable homeowners with a smartphone to
access engine-specific information quickly and easily. The Briggs and Stratton® 550e and 550ex
Series™ engines are the first models in Briggs and Stratton's consumer engine
line up to be marked with the new labels.
This June, Briggs and Stratton will begin phasing in QR labeling on
other popular models in its North American line up.
The
new serialized QR label is designed to be easy-to-read and will be placed in an
easy-to-find location on each engine.
"Once you scan the QR code with your smart phone, you will be
directed immediately to information that is specific for the engine that's on
your mower. Searching for your model
will not be necessary," said J.P. Benjamins, product marketing manager for
Briggs and Stratton. The QR label, which
can be scanned by popular smartphone applications like ScanLife, will deliver
the consumer to a customized mobile website with engine specific information
including:
Operator's Manual - Maintenance and
operations instructions for your engine
Illustrated Parts List – An easy-to-use
reference for locating part numbers
Dealer Locator – A GPS-enabled tool that
directs you to the Briggs and Stratton dealer near you
Customer Service – Dial directly to a
customer service representative in one click
To
implement the new QR codes, Briggs and Stratton formed a cross-functional team
that included representatives from the marketing, sales, operations and
information technology (IT) departments.
Rather than using QR technology to deliver static, point-of-sale
content, the team focused its efforts on creating a best-in-class, post-sale
experience for consumers. Making it
easier for consumers to access the most frequently sought engine-related
information, including operations and maintenance instructions, was a key goal
of the project. "Our focus is to
help consumers after they bring home their new equipment. If you have a Briggs and Stratton engine on
your mower, riding tractor, pressure washer, or generator, we want you to have
a great ownership experience," explained Benjamins.
The
QR project has also provided Briggs and Stratton a new opportunity to work more
closely with its equipment manufacturing customers and retail partners to
increase customer satisfaction and minimize issues related to product
returns. "This is truly an
innovative approach to combining smartphone and QR technology. By using the serial number, we have the
potential to deliver targeted information based on the brand or retailer of
equipment that the Briggs and Stratton engine is powering," said Mike Boeselager,
manager of the QR code project for Briggs and Stratton.
Briggs
and Stratton previously introduced QR codes on its line of packaged maintenance
parts in 2009, and added Power Codes (serialized QR codes) to its Vanguard™
family of engines earlier this year. To
try out the new QR code, go to
http://m.briggsandstratton.com/qr/1203155433744/ using your mobile web browser.
*
QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc.
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